City of Rancho Mirage

Celebrating 50 Years

Words by June Allan Corrigan

MAYOR: Charles Townsend
MAYOR PRO TEM: Richard W. Kite
COUNCIL MEMBERS: Steven Downs, Iris Smotrich, Ted Weill
YEAR INCORPORATED: 1973
WEBSITE: ranchomirageca.gov

Heading into 2023, Rancho Mirage will mark a milestone 50 years since it incorporated as a city. This mid-valley community has much to celebrate. Despite pandemic-induced challenges, several unique projects continue to move forward or are on the verge of being completed. In some ways, these undertakings reflect people’s shifting priorities and behavior post pandemic.

Excellent Timing

Conversation surrounding the topic of health and wellbeing has certainly increased in volume the past couple of years. In Rancho Mirage, a new and extremely well-versed voice is set to enter that very conversation. The much-anticipated Sensei Porcupine Creek opens November 1st and there is no doubt the intimate wellness retreat will be a very welcome addition.

Given its secluded location at the foot of the Santa Rosa Mountains, it’s very possible to not quite know the exact whereabouts of this soon-to-open resort. But that is part of Sensei’s appeal as the first six-star wellness experience in the area. The lush property is the former 230-acre private estate of Oracle Co-Founder Larry Ellison. In 2018, he teamed up with physician and scientist Dr. David Agus to found Sensei Lanai, the company’s original location in Hawaii which is operated in partnership with Four Seasons.

The evidence-led philosophy that informs these immersive wellbeing retreats is known as The Sensei Way. Its basic tenets are “move, nourish, and rest” to promote wellbeing and of course, the very same pathways will guide every guest at Sensei Porcupine Creek towards a longer, healthier life. “Everything that we touch with Sensei prompts and challenges you to move, nourish or rest. And that is going to be relative to what you may need in life,” says Marcus Washington, a Sensei Mindset Guide.

Since the desert is a haven for golf, Sensei’s one-of-a-kind Golf Optimal Wellbeing Program for intermediate and advanced golfers is expected to attract much interest. The fivenight package uses technology to analyze an individual’s unique health data, layers in additional golf metrics such as detailed video analysis, includes private sessions with a golf professional, and works in concert with a bestin- class wellness staff to translate data insights into actionable takeaways for life at home.

“The idea is when a guest leaves the property, they will not only have improved their golf game but overall, they will feel better about themselves and their direction,” says Richard Ruddy, the Director of Golf. With an unparalleled setting that can’t help but forge a connection with nature, not to mention unlimited rounds of golf included in the Golf Optimal Wellbeing Program, Sensei Porcupine Creek offers wellness experiences designed to support a wide variety of guest intentions.

The Power Of Play

When the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert (CDMOD) first opened in Rancho Mirage in the late ’90s, it quickly won the hearts of children and their caregivers. Although it was disappointing to have to shutter the facility in 2020, its board of directors and interim executive director saw the downtime as an opportunity to reimagine the space. As this private non-profit institution prepares to reopen in early 2023, everyone eager to revisit a space designed to inspire learning through interactive play will simply be in awe of CDMOD’s transformation.

Creativity has been the guiding principle in the museum’s reIMAGINATION. It’s evident in more than 40 new exhibits — spaces as diverse as a watercolor wall, a net climbing structure, a magnetic poetry wall, pinball golf, toddler hill and a camping corner. These activities and more like them are featured throughout six different sections inventively categorized as Imagine, Move, Express, Experiment, Dream, and Explore. Fondly remembered favorites such as the pizza parlor and grocery store will be back as well — albeit in updated and reimagined forms. Whimsy and color are sure to incite joy at every turn.

CDMOD is particularly proud the venue will be autism certified. “We’re getting credentialed by the IBCCES and all staff will have autism training at varying degrees depending on their roles,” says Cindy Burreson, who served as the interim executive director and is now the CEO. All of the museum’s new experiences will be equipped with sensory guides so that families with sensory sensitivities can pre-plan their visits. There will also be a dedicated low sensory zone.

Everything on site is being designed to help visitors discover new ways to engage with each other as a family and as a community. “Kids are experiencing so much depression and anxiety now, particularly in wake of the pandemic,” says Burreson. “The Children’s Discovery Museum is a place where kids can come with their families and just forget about everything else going on outside of our walls. They can be happy and together.”

The first phase of CDMOD’s reIMAGINATION is budgeted at $3 million. Fundraising and grants are helping to cover the costs of the project but there are still some shortfalls. Moving forward, the hope is individuals, corporate donors, foundations and the like will pause to recognize the power of play and be generous and ongoing with their support.

A Little Magic

It’s hard to miss the bustle of activity occurring in the vicinity of Bob Hope and Frank Sinatra Drives these days as building progresses on a 618-acre residential development that includes a grand oasis featuring the clearest turquoise waters with Crystal Lagoons® technology and a vibrant town center with plans for a range of shopping, dining and entertainment offerings. Excitement reached a fever pitch earlier this year when Disney sprinkled a little fairy dust on proceedings. The company announced it was joining the DMB Development-led project to create Cotino™, its first Storyliving by Disney™ community. Cotino™ will be infused by the magic of Disney Imagineers and feature Disney’s world-renowned service.

It’s an exciting turn of events for City of Rancho Mirage and the parcel of land previously known as Section 31. The community was selected in part due to the personal connection Walt Disney forged with the Coachella Valley. He owned homes in Palm Springs and coincidentally, the name Cotino was derived from Cotinus, the genus of a local plant species commonly referred to as the smoke tree — and a wink to Walt’s home location.

CITY STATS

POPULATION
Total Population – 17,029
Median Age – 65.7
Annual Growth Rate – .22%
Average Household Income – 159,377
Median Household Income – 102,335

EDUCATION
High School Diploma – 14.82%
Bachelor’s Degree – 27.71%
Graduate / Professional Degree – 20.39%

EMPLOYMENT
Retail Trade – 7.56%
Healthcare / Social Assistance – 21.96%
Construction – 5.60%
Accommodations / Food Service – 5.08%
Arts / Entertainment / Recreation – 4.10
Education Services – 5.75%
Manufacturing – 3.82%
Transportation / Warehouse – 4.43%
Real Estate/rental / Leasing – 9.04%
Professional / Scientific / Tech Services – 9.35%
Finance / Insurance – 4.55%

SOURCE: Est/Coachalle Valley Economic Partnership